Mountain Lake, with homes and buildings from the Public Health Service District in the background.

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

The Anza Trail traces the route the Spanish expedition followed when establishing the Presidio.

Region

Southern Wilds Region, Golden Gate Region

Use Type

Multi-use Trail (Paved), Multi-use Trail (Unpaved)

Top Amenities

Paid Parking, Accessible Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Shuttle-accessible, Muni Bus-accessible

The Juan Bautista de Anza Trail commemorates the 1776 journey Spanish military commander de Anza led from Sonora, Mexico to the Golden Gate, where settlers first established the Presidio.

While the entire trail is 1,200 miles long, the 2.7-mile Presidio section follows the route de Anza and his expedition travelled from their original campsite at Mountain Lake to the Golden Gate.

After exploring the lake, head north to experience some of the Presidio’s most beautiful natural areas and many historic attractions, including the World War II West Coast Memorial to the Missing and historic gun batteries.

The trail has passes by four vista points – the Lobos Valley Overlook, Immigrant Point Overlook, Pacific Overlook, and Golden Gate Overlook.

At the north end, it reaches the Golden Gate Bridge, offering amazing views.

Presidio Trails Tip

Restrooms are located at Mountain Lake and near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. The Immigrant Point Overlook picnic area (across Lincoln Boulevard from the overlook) is a great place to pause if you packed snacks.

Length

2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers)

Activity Level

Moderate

Trail Surface

Mix of dirt, pavement and boardwalk.

Estimated Walking Time

60 minutes

A man pushes a stroller next to Mountain Lake.

The trail begins near Mountain Lake, where the de Anza Expedition camped in 1776. Photo by Myleen Hollero.

Visitors enjoying the view at Lobos Valley Overlook.

Pause for the view at the Lobos Valley Overlook. Photo by Myleen Hollero.

View of the Pacific Ocean, Marin Headlands, and Battery Crosby

Enjoy Pacific Ocean views from the trail. Photo by Jesse Locks.

Two visitors at Golden Gate Overlook along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

The trail ends with Golden Gate Bridge views.

Interpretive panel on a trail next to Mountain Lake.

A panel at Mountain Lake describes the Anza Expedition.

Getting to the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Trailheads

At the south end, pick up the trail at Mountain Lake. At the north end, begin at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Parking & Public Transit

At the south end, the closest parking can be found along Wedemeyer Street near Lobos Valley Overlook. At the north end, there are various lots near the Golden Gate Bridge. To get to the Presidio by bus or shuttle, visit the Public Transit page.